Yes, I am still embarrassingly behind on the blog. So much so that if I didn’t get this post up before leaving the house this morning I was going to punish myself with refinishing our hardwood floors…wait…I’ve been doing that for over a week already ;) Sorry…back to the point. LEVI! Yes, this adorable little man turned one last summer and has already transformed into a blonde haired little man, walking and talking up a storm. And just this past week he became a big brother! So that’s where I’m headed this morning. To visit Levi and family and photograph their newest addition! But for now, Levi has the spotlight all to himself:
He was infatuated with his shadow :) So cute!
Oh my goodness, he is so squishy :) At church this past Sunday was when I first noticed his strawberry locks had turned into blonde curls and I kinda missed the baby version of his hair;)
Yup, my favorite! He was NOT a fan of the grass….
What a sweet Birthday Boy! I’ve heard he’s being a little “overly” helpful as he adjusts to life with his new brother and I’m looking forward to seeing this for myself…could be interesting!
It was such a chore to photograph these two….I mean really….can they look any BETTER together?! Their wedding last July was a special one for me to photograph as it felt like family….and in a way I think they are. When I met and started dating my own husband, I was introduced to Luke’s family. His parents and my future in-laws were the best of friends. Every Friday night was pizza night and it became our ritual as well. We even went on vacations together. Luke was just a kid then so it really feels like I’ve watched him grow up. He’s now a father and husband…and still cute as can be :)
My goodness…flawless!!!! Kylee always looks gorgeous anytime I see her, but her wedding day she knocked it out of the park!
Opting for a first look, Luke and Kylee wore their rings pre-ceremony so that they would show in all the photographs. I love how as Luke was waiting to see Kylee for the first time, he’s already doing the traditional “groom ring twist”…I have yet to see a groom NOT do this at some point during the day!
Their wedding took place in Willshire, Ohio at a church I’ve photographed a number of times over the past few years. Kylee didn’t want many (if any) portraits in the church so we made plans way in advance to use other locations in town. Being that I was born and raised in Willshire, I knew exactly where to start! Kylee was so great allowing me to make suggestions and trusting me to let me follow through on them.
Luke and Kylee’s son, Bentlee, was away for the morning taking a nap. Kylee was so emotional at seeing him for the first time :) He wasn’t too sure about having to wear a tie and tuck his shirt in, but the shoes more than made up for it ;)
The girls couldn’t resist peeking into the sanctuary just before they went down the aisle ;)
One of my favorites…an approving look from his older brother as Kylee came down the aisle!
Into the getaway car, Kylee and Luke spotted her little guy in the crowd!
And this is one of the BEST advantages to doing a first look…being able to add an amazing second location for portraits on the way to the reception!
Such memorable first dances….Kylee and Luke danced to Jason Aldean’s remake of Bryan Adams’ song Heaven. It was the first time I’d heard it and I am still playing it over and over! The parent dances were filled with smiles and tears too…gets me every time!
Such a fun day…and night :) Kylee and Luke, thank you for trusting me with these memories…it was an honor.
One of my favorite weddings last year was Kristin and Adam’s affair in Van Wert, Ohio last June. I think this was the first wedding where I knew almost every little detail about the day before I showed up! Kristin and I have so much in common and as her wedding was coming together, we both enjoyed sharing details/ideas for how to make the day flawless! I would say Kristin was a modern bride in her taste but also wanted a slightly vintage nod to show in her details, decor and venues. I think she nailed every one perfectly!
With an outdoor ceremony, we both made alternative plans for all things in case of rain. My rule goes something like, “If we plan on the worst case scenario, we’ll be prepared for anything!” We never needed our Plan B as the day was an absolute stunner, blue skies and all! Kristin chose to prepare for the day at a local Bed and Breakfast, Hughes Inn. The room itself was wonderful and I was extra thrilled that the owners permitted us to shoot on their beautiful grounds before the ceremony.
You will see later that Kristin and Adam were surrounded by a great group of friends in their wedding party…Kristin chose to have just her Maid of Honor, Jamie, help her into her gown. It was quite the contrast to most bridal rooms as all the girls are busy and excited for the bride. Jamie and Kristin have been life long friends and I so enjoyed being a part of their conversations…my favorite being how Kristin couldn’t wait to start a family. I’ll explain later why this statement has stuck with me over the months ;)
The first look is always my favorite part of the day….Adam was waiting for Kristin behind the Inn :)
LOVED this group of girls so much! They felt like friends immediately…such beauties!!! And Kristin did a fabulous job choosing their jewelry!
Kristin’s dad arranged for his friend to bring his car into town for a few portraits before the ceremony. I cannot remember his name, but I remember the look on his face when he saw Kristin…he has known Kristin since she was a little girl and it was obvious how much he cared for her…and what an honor it was to him to be asked to participate in this way.
Can you say HOT??!!!!! After finishing all of our portraits, we headed off to Willow Bend Country Club for the ceremony…Loved the attention to detail Kristin had here. They displayed photos of their engagement session along with some old family photos and vintage handkerchiefs on the display rack. The table was also a lovely place to display an old bird cage, books and her wedding programs made my the ever-talented Alicia of Sophie- A Design Boutique.
Quite the difference in what each of these men were feeling in this moment ;)
The reception was a perfect continuation of the day with beautiful centerpieces and linens. It wasn’t long before the party was in full swing. And quite the party it was! I hated for it to end myself!!!
We snuck out for a few night portraits….my favorites from the day :)
Kristin and Adam, thank you, thank you for not only allowing me to be a part of your wedding but for being a joy to work with. I have so enjoyed keeping in touch with you since the wedding and I am looking forward to the newest additions to your family……
Yes, this is the part I told you about earlier! Kristin couldn’t wait for she and Adam to start their family and she didn’t have to wait long! They found out about two months after the wedding that they were expecting…and a month after that they discovered it was TWINS!!!!!!! I think I even called that one in her room the morning of the wedding! And I just recently learned that Jamie (MOH) is expecting too! Glad I didn’t drink the water in that bridal suite ;)
Looking forward to the arrival of the boys in the next month or two! All the best to you both as you become parents! What a YEAR you guys have had!!!!!
